Visakhapatnam: In a bid to enhance energy installation capacity, the state energy department will commence the commercial operations of Sri Damodaram Sanjeevaiah thermal power station stage-II (1x800MW) in October 2022.
The commercial operations of Dr Narla Tata Rao thermal power station stage-V (1x800MW) will begin in February 2023. This installation capacity augmentation has been planned as the energy department anticipates that the daily demand may increase to 250 million units by March 2023 in AP. According to the state energy department officials, the power sector is undergoing a significant transformation with an increasing competitive intensity. This has been happening both on the market and supply sides, covering fuel, finances, manpower, logistics, etc. At the same time, the electricity demand in the state has increased rapidly and is expected to rise further in the years to come.
State energy minister Peddireddi Ramachandra Reddy said that the state government has extended huge financial support to discoms. “We also took measures to enhance generation capacity and strengthen transmission and distribution networks. The demand may surpass the 250 MU mark in March 2023. Even then, I am confident that the utilities are ready to meet the rising demand,” said Ramachandra Reddy.
The energy minister added that the state government has already announced its renewable energy export policy 2020 to enhance installation capacity of wind and solar power. “This will strengthen the energy sector in the state. This will also facilitate the state to export power to other states in the future besides fulfilling the energy needs of the state. The government has also planned pumped hydro storage projects in a huge capacity. This will further strengthen the 24 x7 power supply and make Andhra Pradesh a power surplus state,” said Ramachandra Reddy.
Special chief secretary (energy), K Vijayanand, said that under the late payment surcharge scheme, Andhra Pradesh was mistakenly included in the list of 13 states, which were restricted short-term access to electricity markets. “As the state utilities immediately informed the PRAAPTI portal authorities that the discoms had already cleared the dues, the PRAAPTI authorities responded promptly and the state’s name was removed from the list. The issue was resolved in a timely manner,” said Vijayanand.
Source: PTI
